maa5 sau2 si6 zim1馬首是瞻马首是瞻
Jyutpingmaa5 sau2 si6 zim1
Yalemáh sáu sih jīm
Definition
To follow someone blindly; to look to someone as a guide and obey their leadership.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of blind obedience or lack of personal agency. It is often used to criticize someone for being overly submissive to a leader or a dominant group. While it originates from classical literature, it is still frequently used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe political or corporate dynamics.
Examples
They always follow others' lead and have no opinions of their own.
Why do you have to follow someone else's lead in everything?
Related words
Common phrases
to follow someone's lead in everything
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a positive term meaning to respect a leader, but it is almost always used with a negative or mocking tone to imply a lack of independent thought.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
